Smoky topaz and pearl toggle necklace
I really like this simple strung necklace. I have been looking for some classic but elegant designs for Christmas presents to put together for friends and family members and I think this might just fit the bill.
Once again, this is a wonderful way to use up some of the briolette stones that you have in your stockpile without have to rely on the constant use of the wire wrapping that is becoming rather common place. I have been trying to expand our repertoire with more options than just the standard wire wrap briolette stone, even though I know a bazillion visits to Kattitudes happen from people in search of information on how to wire wrap briolettes.
As I have mentioned in the past, if you are considering wire wrapping your briolette stones and you are working with sterling silver and one of the lighter briolette stones (as I have a tendency to work with), be aware that as the sterling tarnishes, it will darken the drill hole of your light gemstone. As a result, I have switched my wire wrapped briolette work to gold wire. However, weekend jewelers do not always have that option (as you might not have the easy access to gold wire that I might have as a bench jeweler), thus the reason why I am trying to expand suggestions on how to use briolettes beyond the standard wirewrap.
Instead, designs like this one, that use a material along the lines of beadalon to string the alternating topaz briolettes, sterling beads and pearls threaded on headpins are becoming easier to find and more frequently seen. The secondary smaller smoky topaz stones are cut in a shape called rhondelles and are a gorgeous full round wheel/tire shape. They really fill out this necklace nicely and provide a nice counterbalance to the size of the pearls and the color of the matching briolettes.
This is a simple threaded series of beads. The toggle is in the Bali style and I particularly like the design as the extra loop of the toggle can give up to an extra inch of necklace, if you would like some additional maneuvering room when you wear it (or if you are not exactly sure of the neck size of your gift recipient).
As you look at this necklace as a whole, this really is a great design. The four basic components (the two shapes of the smoky topaz, the sterling silver beads and the pearls with their ball headpins) basically just echo each other over and over, creating a lovely symphony of beauty.
And this really is easy to make. Just string it on beadalon, crimp and go. It is that easy. This would make such a WOW moment at Christmas.
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